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Social Justice Education M.Ed.

The goal of the Social Justice Education (SJE) concentration is to prepare educational leaders who can promote social diversity and social justice in educational settings through the development of theoretical and practical knowledge, empirical research, and the use of effective social justice education practices.

*Students are expected to demonstrate competency in FOUR manifestations of social oppression. Students will complete three in the first semester and demonstrate competency in a fourth using a different course or experience.

Introductory vocabulary and definitions, descriptions of the dynamics of oppression at the individual, institutional, and cultural levels. Focus on developing personal awareness of social group memberships in relationship to two specific forms of oppression. Introduction to selected literature on two specific forms of oppression.

Examines and applies theories and methods of instructional design, classroom teaching, and reflective practice in social justice education in K-16 settings. Explores critical issues in teaching and learning about diversity and social justice issues.

Develops a theoretical and skill foundation for working with diverse groups in educational and work settings. Explores theories of intergroup relations, group development, and leadership that facilitate understanding of intergroup biases and conflict, multicultural dynamics in diverse groups, and conflict and cooperation in group life.

The practicum is designed to provide an opportunity for participants in the Social Justice Education Reflective Practitioner Development Program to reflect on their development and increase their levels of self-awareness as Social Justice educators.

This course focuses on the integration of SJE as pedagogy and SJE as content to promote youth engagement and transformative education across learning environments. Its purpose is to help students develop a combination of historical, theoretical, conceptual, scientific, and pedagogical foundation for SJE in youth-based settings such as schools and community based organizations.

This course provides a conceptual, practical, and empirical foundation for SJE in college settings in four areas: advocacy and inclusion, diversity education, intergroup dialogue, and civic engagement.

Admissions

The Social Justice Education admissions committee wants to know about your interest in social justice education and to understand how your prior personal, educational, and professional experiences have prepared you for graduate work in social justice education. Please be succinct yet specific about your interest in social justice education and the ways in which SJE can support your future plans and professional goals. Your personal statement will doubly serve as a writing sample (no more than 3 pages). Master’s applicants: Be sure your application indicates your preference to focus on K-12 education/youth-based settings or higher education.

Application Timeline

Applications are due by January 2. Decisions will be made in March/April for admissions the following September. There are no mid-year admissions.

Prerequisites

Applicants are expected to show evidence of applied social justice experience, at least one semester of which is supervised. Examples might include classroom teaching, peer education programs, mediation teams, residence assistants, or community outreach programs. Applicants may also have certification in teaching, school counseling, and special education or school administration. Evidence of at least one full year's work experience in a social justice-related area beyond the bachelor's degree is strongly preferred.

Application Materials

Personal statement describing the applicant's prior experience with social justice education, professional objectives relevant to social justice education, and a description of what they hope to achieve through completion of the master’s program